Communication control device, communication control determination device, and method

ABSTRACT

[Solution] Provided is a communication control device including: a communication unit configured to transmit geographical location information of the own device or a communication node served by the own device to a communication control determination device that controls coexistence of a plurality of wireless systems; and an acquisition unit configured to acquire, from the communication control determination device, information including information necessary for communication control for coexistence as information regarding another communication control determination device that manages a peripheral region of a geographical region managed by the communication control determination device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/757,406, filed Mar. 5, 2018, which is based on PCT filingPCT/JP2016/073900, filed Aug. 16, 2016, which claims priority to JP2015-179403, filed Sep. 11, 2015, the entire contents of each areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a communication control device, acommunication control determination device, and a method.

BACKGROUND ART

As a countermeasure to alleviate shortage of future frequency resources,secondary usage of frequencies has been discussed. Secondary usage offrequencies means that part of or all of frequency channels allocated toa certain system with a higher priority is secondarily used by anothersystem. Generally, a system to which a frequency channel is allocatedwith a higher priority is called “primary system”, and a system thatsecondarily uses the frequency channel is called “secondary system”.

TV whitespaces are an example of frequency channels that are expected tobe secondarily used. TV whitespaces mean frequency channels that areallocated to a TV broadcast system serving as a primary system but arenot locally used by the TV broadcast system. By allowing a secondarysystem to use those TV whitespaces, efficient utilization of frequencyresources can be achieved. There are a plurality of standards forwireless access schemes in a physical layer (PHY) and MAC layer forenabling secondary usage of the TV whitespaces, such as IEEE802.22,IEEE802.11af, and European Computer Manufacturer Association (ECM A)-392(CogNea).

The IEEE802.19 working group has studied smooth coexistence of aplurality of secondary systems using different wireless access schemes.For example, in the IEEE802.19 working group, functions for coexistenceof secondary systems are grouped into three function entities, i.e., acoexistence manager (CM), a coexistence enabler (CE), and a coexistencediscovery and information server (CDIS). The CM is a functional entityfor mainly making a decision for coexistence. The CE is a functionalentity serving as an interface for mediating transmission of commandsand exchange of information between the CM and a secondary usage node.The CDIS is a functional entity serving as a server for centrallymanaging information of a plurality of secondary systems.

For example, regarding those functional entities, Patent Literature 1cited below discloses a technology in which a plurality of functionalentities perform neighbor discovery in cooperation with each other.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: WO 2012/132804

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Areas are allocated to CMs specified in the IEEE802.19 working group sothat the CMs are in charge of the areas, and, in a case where the CE canmove and a CM in charge of the CE is changed because of movement of theCE, the CE needs to be connected to a new CM. However, in the presentcircumstances, a procedure for connecting the CE to a new CM in a casewhere the CM in charge of the CE is changed because of movement of theCE is not specified.

In view of this, the present disclosure proposes a communication controldevice, a communication control determination device, and a method, eachof which is new, is improved, and is capable of smoothly exchanginginformation between a plurality of wireless systems.

Solution to Problem

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a communicationcontrol device including: a communication unit configured to transmitgeographical location information of the own device or a communicationnode served by the own device to a communication control determinationdevice that controls coexistence of a plurality of wireless systems; andan acquisition unit configured to acquire, from the communicationcontrol determination device, information including informationnecessary for communication control for coexistence as informationregarding another communication control determination device thatmanages a peripheral region of a geographical region managed by thecommunication control determination device.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided acommunication control determination device configured to controlcoexistence of a plurality of wireless systems, the communicationcontrol determination device including a control unit configured togenerate information including information necessary for communicationcontrol for coexistence as information regarding another communicationcontrol determination device that controls and determines usage of thewireless systems around a geographical region managed by the own device.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided amethod including: transmitting geographical location information of theown device or a communication node served by the own device to acommunication control determination device that controls coexistence ofa plurality of wireless systems; and acquiring, from the communicationcontrol determination device, information including informationnecessary for communication control for coexistence as informationregarding another communication control determination device thatmanages a peripheral region of a geographical region managed by thecommunication control determination device.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided amethod that is executed by a communication control determination deviceconfigured to control coexistence of a plurality of wireless systems,the method including generating information including informationnecessary for communication control for coexistence as informationregarding another communication control determination device thatcontrols and determines usage of the wireless systems around ageographical region managed by the own device.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided acomputer program causing a computer to execute transmitting geographicallocation information of the own device or a communication node served bythe own device to a communication control determination device thatcontrols coexistence of a plurality of wireless systems, and acquiring,from the communication control determination device, informationincluding information necessary for communication control forcoexistence as information regarding another communication controldetermination device that manages a peripheral region of a geographicalregion managed by the communication control determination device.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided acomputer program that is executed by a computer configured to controlcoexistence of a plurality of wireless systems, the computer programcausing the computer to execute generating information includinginformation necessary for communication control for coexistence asinformation regarding another communication control determination devicethat controls and determines usage of the wireless systems around ageographical region managed by the own device.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

As described above, according to the present disclosure, it is possibleto provide a communication control device, a communication controldetermination device, and a method, each of which is new, is improved,and is capable of smoothly exchanging information between a plurality ofwireless systems.

Note that the effects described above are not necessarily limitative.With or in the place of the above effects, there may be achieved any oneof the effects described in this specification or other effects that maybe grasped from this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view for describing an overview of acommunication system according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view illustrating a correlation between threefunctional entities for assistance in coexistence.

FIG. 3 is an diagram illustrating four functional entities forassistance in coexistence.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view for describing a scenario in which areasare allocated to CMs so that the CMs are in charge of the areas.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view illustrating a functional configurationexample of a device 100 that can function as a CE.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view illustrating a functional configurationexample of a device 200 that can function as a CM.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view illustrating a functional configurationexample of a device 300 that can function as a CDIS.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of a CE(and a communication node that can integrally move with the CE) and aCM.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of a CMand a CDIS.

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of a CE(and a communication node that can integrally move with the CE) and twoCMs.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view for describing a scenario in which areasare allocated to CMs so that the CMs are in charge of the areas.

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of a CE(and a communication node that can integrally move with the CE) and twoCMs.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, (a) preferred embodiment(s) of the present disclosure willbe described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. In thisspecification and the appended drawings, structural elements that havesubstantially the same function and structure are denoted with the samereference numerals, and repeated explanation of these structuralelements is omitted.

Note that description will be provided in the following order.

1. Embodiment of present disclosure

-   -   1.1. Whole configuration of system    -   1.2. Configuration example    -   1.3. Operation example

2. Conclusion

1. EMBODIMENT OF PRESENT DISCLOSURE 1.1. Whole Configuration of System

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view for describing an overview of acommunication system according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of secondary usage nodes 30A included ina secondary system A and a plurality of secondary usage nodes 30Bincluded in a secondary system B. As illustrated in FIG. 1, thesecondary usage node 30 is a transmitter station such as, typically, abase station or access point. The secondary usage nodes 30A, which aretransmitter stations, provide a service of the secondary system A to areceiver station located in a service area 40A. Similarly, the secondaryusage nodes 30B, which are transmitter stations, provide a service ofthe secondary system B to a receiver station located in a service area40B. Hereinafter, a transmitter station and a receiver station includedin a secondary system is collectively referred to as “secondary usagenodes”.

The secondary usage nodes 30A and 30B are connected to communicationcontrol devices 10A and 10B, respectively. The communication controldevices 10 are a device introduced to control coexistence of a pluralityof secondary systems that use frequency channels allocated to a primarysystem. The communication control devices 10A and 10B are connected to ageo-location database (GLDB) 20. The GLDB 20 has a function of notifyingeach of the secondary systems of a list of available frequencies and/ortransmission power and typically protects the primary system (incumbentprotection). For example, the communication control device 10 obtains,from the GLDB 20, a frequency band that is allocated to the primarysystem and can be secondarily used and causes a secondary system to bemanaged and/or controlled (hereinafter, also simply be referred to as“under management”) to use the frequency band.

Note that examples of the primary system encompass TV broadcast systems,program making and special events (PMSE), radars (military radar,ship-based radar, weather radar, or the like), fixed satellite services(FSS), earth exploration satellite services (EESS), and the like.

Herein, in some cases, the service areas 40 (that is, 40A and 40B) of aplurality of secondary systems geographically overlap and frequencybands used therein overlap. Specifically, for example, there is a casewhere an area where a long term evolution (LTE) service is provided andan area where a Wi-Fi service is provided, which are operated bydifferent operators, overlap.

In the present embodiment, it is expected that, in such a situation, apart or all of a frequency band allocated to a primary system issecondarily used by one or more secondary systems in cooperation witheach other. To achieve this, it is desirable that information can besmoothly exchanged between a plurality of secondary systems.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view illustrating a correlation between threefunctional entities for assistance in coexistence. As illustrated inFIG. 2, in IEEE802.19.1, functions for assistance in coexistence ofsecondary systems are grouped into three functional entities, i.e., aCM, a CE, and a CDIS.

(1) Coexistence Manager (CM)

ACM is a functional entity for performing making a decision forcoexistence. The CM acquires information regarding a primary system,information regarding an available channel, and information regarding asecondary system. The CM acquires information from a CDIS, another CM, asecondary usage node (accessed via a CE), and the like. Based on thosepieces of information, the CM determines which frequency channel is tobe used by a secondary usage node under management of the CM itself inorder to operate a secondary system. For each secondary usage node, theCM may further determine additional control parameters such as maximumtransmission power, a recommended wireless access scheme, and an updatecycle of location data. Then, the CM causes each secondary usage node tooperate or reconfigure a secondary system in accordance with thedetermined parameters.

(2) Coexistence Enabler (CE)

A CE is a functional entity serving as an interface for mediatingtransmission of a command and exchange of information between a CM and asecondary usage node. For example, the CE converts information possessedby the secondary usage node into a form usable by the CM and transmitsthe converted information to the CM. Further, the CE converts a commandof coexistence of secondary systems from the CM into a form executableby the secondary usage node and transmits the converted command to thesecondary usage node.

(3) Coexistence Discovery and Information Server (CDIS)

A CDIS is a functional entity serving as a server for managinginformation of a plurality of secondary systems. For example, the CDIScollects information regarding a secondary system from each secondaryusage node via a CE and a CM. Further, the CDIS collects, from the GLDB20, information regarding a primary system and information regarding anavailable channel. Then, the CDIS accumulates the collected informationin a database. The information accumulated by the CDIS is used in a casewhere the CM makes a decision for coexistence. The CDIS may select amaster CM (CM that controls a plurality of CMs and makes a decision in acentralized manner) from a plurality of CMs. Further, the CDIS has aneighbor discovery function of detecting neighbor secondary systems thatmay interfere with each other.

At least one of the above three-types of functional entities isimplemented in each of the communication control devices 10 illustratedin FIG. 1. Note that part of the functional entities may be implementedin each secondary usage node 30. Further, part of the functionalentities may be implemented in the same device as the GLDB 20.

Note that the above three-types of functional entities will also becollectively referred to as “coexistence system”. The coexistence systemassists in coexistence of secondary systems under management thereof.

(4) Whitespace Object (WSO)

The WSO is one of secondary usage nodes. In IEEE Std 802.19.1-2014, theWSO indicates a television whitespace (TVWS) device or a network of TVWSdevices. In the present embodiment, the WSO is not limited to the TVWSdevice or the network of the TVWS devices and indicates any secondaryusage node or any network of secondary systems. The WSO is connected toa CM via a CE in order to receive a coexistence service that is aservice for coexistence of secondary systems. Note that the WSO is akind of communication node.

(5) Registered Location Secure Server (RLSS)

An RLSS is a local server for preventing interference between terminals.The WSO is connected to the GLDB 20 via the RLSS. The RLSS is specifiedin IEEE Std 802.11af that is one of standards for providing a wirelessaccess scheme for TVWSs. In IEEE Std 802.19.1-2014, the RLSS is anentity that stores information organized by using a geographicallocation, accesses a database storing operation parameters and locationsfor one or a plurality of basic service sets, and manages the database.

Hereinabove, details of each of the functional entities have beendescribed. The functional entities can exchange information with eachother by using an interface. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the CE and theWSO/RLSS can exchange information via an interface A. The CM and the CEcan exchange information via an interface B1. The CM and the CDIS canexchange information via an interface B2. The CMs can exchangeinformation via an interface B3. The CM and a whitespace database canexchange information via an interface C.

FIG. 3 is a view for describing four functional entities for assistancein coexistence. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a coordination enabler (CoE)may be introduced into a coexistence system. This entity exchangesinformation with a coexistence system whose manager is different or anentity existing outside. The CoE may be implemented in the communicationcontrol device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, may be implemented in eachsecondary usage node 30, may be implemented in the same device as theGLDB 20, or may be implemented in any other arbitrary devices. Note thatan interface may be provided between the GLDB and the CM as in FIG. 2.

In the communication system having such function entities, there isassumed a scenario in which areas (countries, states, or the like) areallocated to CMs so that the CMs are in charge of the CMs. FIG. 4 is anexplanatory view for describing a scenario in which areas are allocatedto CMs so that the CMs are in charge of the areas. FIG. 4 illustrates astate in which CMs are allocated to sixteen areas. In FIG. 4, forexample, a CM 2 is allocated to a region #7, and a CM 1 is allocated toa region #10. The same applies to the other regions.

In such a case, it is assumed that a communication node (nodecorresponding to a base station or access point) including a CE or acommunication node that can integrally move with the CE moves across aregion. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates a state in which thecommunication node including the CE (or the communication node that canintegrally move with the CE) moves from the region #7 to the region #10.In this case, CMs in charge of management of the regions are different,and therefore the CE needs to change the connected CM. That is, when thecommunication node including the CE (or the communication node that canintegrally move with the CE) moves from the region #7 to the region #10,the CE needs to change the connected CM from the CM 2 to the CM 1.

It is considered that, by causing the CE to store not only informationof a CM that is currently connected but also information of CMs thatmanage peripheral regions, it is possible to smoothly connect the CE toa CM in charge of a destination region even in a case where the CE movesacross a region and continuously provide a coexistence service. However,IEEE Std 802.19.1-2014 does not provide such a mechanism.

In view of the above points, a disclosing party of the presentapplication has diligently studied a technology capable of smoothlyconnecting a CE to a CM in charge of a destination region even in a casewhere the CE moves across a region and continuously providing acoexistence service. As a result, the disclosing party of the presentapplication has devised a technology capable of, by causing a CE tostore not only information of a CM that is currently connected but alsoinformation of CMs that manage peripheral regions, smoothly connectingthe CE to a CM in charge of a destination region even in a case wherethe CE moves across a region and continuously providing a coexistenceservice.

1.2. Configuration Example

Next, respective function configuration examples of the CE, the CM, andthe CDIS will be described.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view illustrating a functional configurationexample of a device 100 that can function as the CE. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a processingunit 120, and a storage unit 130. Further, the processing unit 120includes an acquisition unit 121 and a control unit 123.

The communication unit 110 performs communication of information withanother device. The communication unit 110 can, for example, include anantenna in a case of wireless communication and include an interface forwired communication in a case of wired communication. Further, thecommunication unit 110 can include a communication circuit forcommunication processing of information. The communication unit 110transmits information received from another device to the processingunit 120.

The processing unit 120 is made up of, for example, a central processingunit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), andthe like and provides various functions of the device 100. Note that theprocessing unit 120 can further include a constituent element inaddition to the acquisition unit 121 and the control unit 123. That is,the processing unit 120 can also perform operation in addition tooperation of the acquisition unit 121 and the control unit 123.

The acquisition unit 121 acquires various kinds of information that thecommunication unit 110 receives from another device.

The control unit 123 controls operation of the device 100. In a casewhere the control unit 123 controls operation of the device 100, thecontrol unit 123 can use information acquired by the acquisition unit121 and information stored on the storage unit 130.

The storage unit 130 is made up of, for example, an HDD, an SSD, a flashmemory, and other another storage media and stores various kinds ofinformation.

In the present embodiment, the communication unit 110 transmitsgeographical location information of the device 100 or a communicationnode served by the device 100 to a CM (e.g., a device 200 that canfunction as described below) which controls coexistence of a pluralityof secondary systems (an example of a plurality of wireless systems inthe present disclosure) which secondarily use a frequency band allocatedto a predetermined primary system.

Further, the acquisition unit 121 acquires, from a CM (e.g., the device200 that can function as described below), information includinginformation necessary for communication control for coexistence asinformation regarding another CM that manages a peripheral region of ageographical region managed by the above CM.

Then, the control unit 123 recognizes a change in the geographicallocation information of the device 100 or the communication node servedby the device 100 and selects, by using the information acquired by theacquisition unit 121, a CM suitable for the communication node whosegeographical location information has been changed.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view illustrating a functional configurationexample of the device 200 that can function as the CM. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the device 200 includes a communication unit 210, a processingunit 220, and a storage unit 230. Further, the processing unit 220includes an acquisition unit 221 and a control unit 223.

The communication unit 210 performs communication of information withanother device. The communication unit 210 can, for example, include anantenna in a case of wireless communication and include an interface forwired communication in a case of wired communication. Further, thecommunication unit 210 can include a communication circuit forcommunication processing of information. The communication unit 210transmits information received from another device to the processingunit 220.

The processing unit 220 is made up of, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM,and the like and provides various functions of the device 200. Note thatthe processing unit 220 can further include a constituent element inaddition to the acquisition unit 221 and the control unit 223. That is,the processing unit 220 can also perform operation in addition tooperation of the acquisition unit 221 and the control unit 223.

The acquisition unit 221 acquires various kinds of information that thecommunication unit 210 receives from another device.

The control unit 223 controls operation of the device 200. In a casewhere the control unit 223 controls operation of the device 200, thecontrol unit 223 can use information acquired by the acquisition unit221 and information stored on the storage unit 230.

The storage unit 230 is made up of, for example, an HDD, an SSD, a flashmemory, and other another storage media and stores various kinds ofinformation.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 223 generates, asinformation regarding other CMs around a geographical region managed bythe device 200, information including information necessary forcommunication control for coexistence of secondary systems (an exampleof a plurality of wireless systems in the present disclosure) whichsecondarily use a frequency band. The information necessary forcommunication control for coexistence of secondary systems can include,for example, information of the geographical region managed by thedevice 200, information regarding a coexistence profile possessed by thedevice 200, and the like.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view illustrating a functional configurationexample of the device 300 that can function as the CDIS. As illustratedin FIG. 7, the device 300 includes a communication unit 310, aprocessing unit 320, and a storage unit 330. Further, the processingunit 320 includes an acquisition unit 321 and a control unit 323.

The communication unit 310 performs communication of information withanother device. The communication unit 310 can, for example, include anantenna in a case of wireless communication and include an interface forwired communication in a case of wired communication. Further, thecommunication unit 310 can include a communication circuit forcommunication processing of information. The communication unit 310transmits information received from another device to the processingunit 320.

The processing unit 320 is made up of, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM,and the like and provides various functions of the device 300. Note thatthe processing unit 320 can further include a constituent element inaddition to the acquisition unit 321 and the control unit 323. That is,the processing unit 320 can also perform operation in addition tooperation of the acquisition unit 321 and the control unit 323.

The acquisition unit 321 acquires various kinds of information that thecommunication unit 310 receives from another device.

The control unit 323 controls operation of the device 300. In a casewhere the control unit 323 controls operation of the device 300, thecontrol unit 323 can use information acquired by the acquisition unit321 and information stored on the storage unit 330.

The storage unit 330 is made up of, for example, an HDD, an SSD, a flashmemory, and other another storage media and stores various kinds ofinformation.

1.3. Operation Examples

First, there will be described an operation example where the CEacquires not only information of a CM in charge of management of acurrent region but also information of CMs in charge of management ofperipheral regions.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of the CE(and a communication node that can integrally move with the CE) and aCM. FIG. 8 illustrates an operation example where the CE acquires notonly information of a CM in charge of management of a current region butalso information of CMs in charge of management of peripheral regions.

The CE or communication node acquires current geographical locationinformation (Step S101). To acquire geographical location information,for example, a location detection function that the CE or communicationnode has can be used. Specifically, the location detection function caninclude a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver, acommunication device, and/or the like. The GNSS can include, forexample, a global positioning system (GPS), a global navigationsatellite system (GLONASS), a BeiDou navigation satellite system (BDS),a quasi-zenith satellites system (QZSS), a Galileo, or the like.

When the current geographical location information is acquired in StepS101, the CE transmits a request for a list of CMs that manage neighborregions (referred to as “list of neighbor CMs”) to a CM that manages acurrent region (Step S102). The CE can cause the request to include thecurrent geographical location information acquired in Step S101described above or identification information capable of identifying acurrent geographical location.

When the CM receives the request for a list of neighbor CMs from the CE,the CM generates a list of neighbor CMs for the CE (Step S103). Aspecific example of processing for generating a list of neighbor CMswill be described below.

When the CM generates the list of neighbor CMs for the CE that hastransmitted the request for the list of neighbor CMs in Step S103described above, then the CM transmits a notification of the generatedlist of neighbor CMs to the CE (Step S104). The CM may cause the list ofneighbor CMs to include at least information for identifying CMs (e.g.,IDs), IP addresses of the CMs, and information regarding regions in itscharge.

The CE (and the communication node that can integrally move with the CE)and the CM execute the series of operation illustrated in FIG. 8, andtherefore the CE can acquire not only information of a CM in charge ofmanagement of a current region but also information of CMs in charge ofmanagement of peripheral regions. Note that the CE may regularly executethe procedure for acquiring a list of neighbor CMs illustrated in FIG. 8or may execute the procedure in a case where it is recognized that achange in the geographical location information of the communicationnode becomes equal to or more than a predetermined threshold (e.g., onekilometer to about a dozen kilometers).

Next, processing in which the CM generates a list of neighbor CMs willbe described. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operationexample of the CM and the CDIS. FIG. 9 illustrates an operation examplewhere the CM generates a list of neighbor CMs.

When the CM receives a request for a list of neighbor CMs from the CE,first, the CM transmits a notification of target geographical locationinformation to the CDIS (Step S111). Herein, the geographical locationinformation that the CM has transmitted to the CDIS as a notification isgeographical location information acquired by the CM from the CE.

When the CDIS receives the notification of the geographical locationinformation from the CM, the CDIS extracts CM information on the basisof the geographical location information that has been transmitted as anotification (Step S112).

When referring to FIG. 4, in a case where the geographical locationinformation that has been transmitted from the CM as a notification isincluded in the region #7, the CDIS extracts CM information of CMs incharge of regions #2, #3, #4, #6, #8, #10, #11, and #12 that areadjacent regions. That is, the CDIS extracts CM information of the CM 1,a CM 6, a CM 8, a CM 10, and a CM 13. The CDIS extracts, as the CMinformation, information for identifying the CMs (e.g., IDs), IPaddresses of the CMs, and information regarding the regions in itscharge.

When the CDIS extracts CM information in Step S112, the CDIS transmits anotification of the extracted CM information to the CM (Step S113). Whenthe CM receives the notification of the CM information from the CDIS,the CM generates a response message (message including the list ofneighbor CMs) by using the CM information that has been transmitted as anotification (Step S114).

The CM and the CDIS execute the series of operation illustrated in FIG.9, and therefore the CM can acquire, from the CDIS, information of CMsin charge of management of peripheral regions of a region that the CMitself is in charge of and can provide the information to the CE.

In a case where the CDIS transmits the notification of the CMinformation, the CDIS may extract only CM information that is adifference between current notification and previous notification. Whenreferring to FIG. 4, for example, in a case where, after CM informationof the CMs in charge of the regions #2, #3, #4, #6, #8, #10, #11, and#12 is extracted, the CE moves and CM information of CMs in charge ofregions #5, #6, #7, #9, #11, #13, #14, and #15 is extracted, the CDISmay extract only CM information of CMs in charge of the regions #5, #9,#13, #14, and #15.

Next, there will be described operation performed in a case where the CEneeds to change a connected CM because the communication node movesacross a region.

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of theCE (and a communication node that can integrally move with the CE) andtwo CMs (CM 1 and CM 2). FIG. 10 illustrates an operation exampleperformed in a case where the CE needs to change a connected CM becausethe communication node moves across a region.

A movable communication node receives provision of a coexistence servicefrom the CM 1 (Step S121), and the communication node regularlytransmits a notification of an update of geographical locationinformation to the CE or transmits a notification of the update thereofin a case where a change in the geographical location informationbecomes a predetermined threshold or more (e.g., one kilometer to abouta dozen kilometers) (Step S122).

When the CE recognizes a change of region on the basis of thegeographical location information that has been transmitted as anotification from the communication node (Step S123), the CE determinesa new CM to be connected with reference to a list of neighbor CMsacquired from a CM (e.g., the CM 1 that currently provides thecoexistence service) in advance (Step S124). Herein, the CE determinesthe CM 2 as the new CM to be connected.

When the CE determines the CM 2 as the new CM to be connected, the CEtransmits a connection request to the CM 2 (Step S125). The CM 2returns, to the CE, a message including connection permission/rejectionof the CE that has transmitted the connection request as a connectionresponse (Step S126).

When the CM 2 accepts connection of the CE and returns the connectionresponse to the CE, the CM 2 acquires the information of the CE orcommunication node (Step S126). The CM 2 may directly acquireinformation from the CE or may acquire the information from the CM 1that is a CM connected to the CE before change. In a case where the CM 2acquires information from the CM 1 that is a CM connected to the CEbefore change, the connection request of the CE in Step S125 describedabove desirably includes information of the CM 1, i.e., the CM connectedbefore change.

The CE (and the communication node that can integrally move with the CE)and the two CMs execute the operation illustrated in FIG. 10, andtherefore, even in a case where the CE needs to change the connected CMbecause the communication node moves across a region, the CE cansmoothly change the connected CM.

Hereinabove, an example of the whole flow of a procedure for changing aconnected CM because of movement has been described on the assumptionthat geographical regions managed and controlled by a plurality of CMsare clearly separated.

However, the above description does not consider functions of a CM(e.g., a coexistence service providable by the CM, a coexistence profilepossessed by the CM, or the like) or functions or requirements of the CE(e.g., a coexistence service desired by the CE or a coexistence profilepossessed by the CE), or the like. Actually, considering the abovepoints, it is easily conceivable that the CE may not be supported by aCM that manages or controls a destination geographical region. Thisproblem can be solved by modifying the above example.

FIG. 11, as well as FIG. 4, is an explanatory view for describing ascenario in which areas are allocated to CMs so that the CMs are incharge of the areas. FIG. 4 illustrates a state in which CMs areallocated to sixteen areas.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, it is assumed that the communication nodeincluding the CE (or the communication node that can integrally movewith the CE) which possesses a profile 3 as a coexistence profile movesto the region #7, to the region #10, and to the region #14. The CM 2 incharge of the region #7 is assumed to possess the profile 3, and the CM1 in charge of the region #10 is assumed to possess a profile 2. In thiscase, the CE and the CM 1 that manages the region #10 possess differentcoexistence profiles, and therefore the CE cannot directly receive acoexistence service from the CM 1.

In view of this, the CM 2 in the region #7 to which the CE hasoriginally been connected “receives an information service from the CM 1instead of the CE and transmits, to the CE, a notification ofinformation regarding coexistence included in the information servicefrom the CM 1”. That is, the CM 2 serves as a proxy for the CM 1.Because the CM 2 serves as a proxy for the CM 1, the system side cancontinuously provide a coexistence service to the CE even in a casewhere the communication node including the CE (or the communication nodethat can integrally move with the CE) which possesses the profile 3moves from the region #7 to the region #10.

When the communication node further moves to the region #14, the CM 7that manages the region #14 supports the profile 3, and therefore the CEcan change the connected CM by applying the procedure illustrated inFIG. 10 without a change.

The CM has a function of mediating an information service of another CMand can therefore realize such a series of operation.

In order that the CM realizes a function of mediating an informationservice of another CM, the above list of neighbor CMs includes an“identifier indicating a type of a providable coexistence service” andan “identifier indicating a coexistence profile”. The “identifierindicating a type of a providable coexistence service” may be, forexample, the following class information.

CM Class 1: to provide both an information service and a managementserviceCM Class 2: to provide only a management serviceCM Class 3: to provide only an information service

In a case where the CE determines that the communication node has movedto a geographical region managed or controlled by a CM possessing acoexistence profile that cannot be supported, the CE requests a proxyprovision service (referred to as “proxy service”) from a CM that iscurrently connected. The CE causes this request to include at leastinformation indicating a currently location (information acquired by theGNSS, region information, or the like). Further, the CE may cause therequest to include information (ID or the like) of a CM that originallyprovides a coexistence service in the location.

The CM that is currently connected (hereinafter, referred to as “proxyCM”) acquires, on the basis of the request from this CE, a list ofchannels provided in the information service from the target CM andtransmission power. The list of channels provided in the informationservice and transmission power may be a list registered in the CDIS.Alternatively, the CM may directly acquire information from another CMvia a CoE. The CE acquires the list of channels and transmission powerfrom the proxy CM and sets a communication node.

In a case where it is determined that the communication node furthermoves and moves to a geographical region managed or controlled by a CMthat possesses the same coexistence profile as that of the CE, the CEtransmits a notification of termination of the proxy service to theproxy CM. Then, the CE changes the connected CM on the basis of theprocedure example illustrated in FIG. 10. At this time, the proxy CM maytransfer information of the CE and communication node stored therein toa new CM to be connected.

Hereinabove, there has been described an example where the CE and a CMthat manages a destination geographical region possess differentcoexistence profiles. Such a case can occur in, for example, roaming orthe like.

Even in a case where the CE and a CM possess the same coexistenceprofile, it is possible to apply a method used in a case where the CEand a CM that manages a destination geographical region possessdifferent coexistence profiles. For example, although the CE attempts tobe connected to a destination CM (that possesses the same coexistenceprofile), the CE cannot complete connection because a calculation loadof the CM at that time is large in some cases.

In such a case, the CE may transmit a request for a proxy service to aCM that manages a geographical region before change so as to cause theCM to provide an information service in a current geographical region byproxy. By, although the CE and the CM possess the same coexistenceprofile, applying the method used in a case where the CE and a CM thatmanages a destination geographical region possess different coexistenceprofiles, it is possible to expect an effect of distributing a load ofthe CM.

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of theCE (and a communication node that can integrally move with the CE) andtwo CMs (CM 1 and CM 2). FIG. 12 illustrates an operation exampleperformed in a case where the CE needs to change a connected CM becausethe communication node moves across a region. Further, FIG. 12illustrates an operation example performed in a case where a request fora proxy service is transmitted to a CM that manages a geographicalregion before change so as to cause the CM to provide an informationservice in a current geographical region by proxy.

A movable communication node receives provision of a coexistence servicefrom the CM 1 (Step S131), and the communication node regularlytransmits a notification of an update of geographical locationinformation to the CE or transmits a notification of the update thereofin a case where a change in the geographical location informationbecomes a predetermined threshold or more (e.g., one kilometer to abouta dozen kilometers) (Step S132).

When the CE recognizes a change of region on the basis of thegeographical location information that has been transmitted as anotification from the communication node (Step S133), the CE determinesa new CM to be connected with reference to a list of neighbor CMsacquired from a CM (e.g., the CM 1 that currently provides thecoexistence service) in advance (Step S134). Herein, the CE determinesthe CM 2 as a new CM to be connected.

When the CE determines the CM 2 as a new CM to be connected, the CEtransmits a connection request to the CM 2 (Step S135). The CM 2returns, to the CE, a message including connection permission/rejectionof the CE that has transmitted the connection request as a connectionresponse (Step S136).

Herein, the CM 2 cannot accept connection of the CE because the CM 2 andthe CE possess different coexistence profiles or for some reason eventhough the CM 2 and the CE possess the same coexistence profile. In thiscase, the CE transmits, to a CE 1, a proxy information service requestso as to cause the CM 1 that manages a geographical region before changeto provide an information service by proxy (Step S137). The request caninclude information regarding the CM 2 that is a new CM to be connecteddetermined in Step S134.

When the CM 1 receives the proxy information service request from theCE, the CM 1 transmits an information service request to the CM 2 (StepS138).

When the CM 2 receives the information service request from the CM 1,the CM 2 transmits a response to the request to the CM 1 (Step S139).

The CM 1 that has received the above response from the CM 2 transmits aresponse to the proxy information service request to the CE (Step S140).

The CE (and the communication node that can integrally move with the CE)and the two CMs execute the operation illustrated in FIG. 12, andtherefore, even in a case where the CE needs to change a connected CMbecause the communication node moves across a region, the CE cansmoothly change the connected CM. Further, the CE (and the communicationnode that can integrally move with the CE) and the two CMs execute theoperation illustrated in FIG. 12, and therefore, even in a case where aCM in charge of a destination region cannot accept connection of the CEbecause the CE and the CM possess different coexistence profiles or forsome reason even though the CE and the CM possess the same coexistenceprofile, it is possible to receive an information service from a CM incharge of a region before movement.

2. CONCLUSION

As described above, according to the embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the CE stores not only information of a CM that is currentlyconnected but also information of CMs that manage peripheral regions,and therefore it is possible to smoothly connect the CE to a CM incharge of a destination region even in a case where the CE moves acrossa region and continuously provide a coexistence service.

A computer program for causing a processor (e.g., a CPU, a DSP, etc.)provided in a device of the present specification to function as thedevice (i.e., a computer program for causing the processor to executeoperations of the above-described device) can also be created. Inaddition, a recording medium in which the computer program is recordedmay be provided. Moreover, a device that includes a memory storing thecomputer program and one or more processors that can execute thecomputer program may also be provided. In addition, a method includingoperations of constituent elements of the device is also included in thetechnology of the present disclosure.

Note that it is not necessary for the processing described in thisspecification with reference to the flowchart and the sequence diagramto be executed in the order shown. Some processing steps may beperformed in parallel. Further, some of additional steps can be adopted,or some processing steps can be omitted.

The preferred embodiment(s) of the present disclosure has/have beendescribed above with reference to the accompanying drawings, whilst thepresent disclosure is not limited to the above examples. A personskilled in the art may find various alterations and modifications withinthe scope of the appended claims, and it should be understood that theywill naturally come under the technical scope of the present disclosure.

Further, the effects described in this specification are merelyillustrative or exemplified effects, and are not limitative. That is,with or in the place of the above effects, the technology according tothe present disclosure may achieve other effects that are clear to thoseskilled in the art from the description of this specification.

Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below.

(1)

A communication control device including:

a communication unit configured to transmit geographical locationinformation of the own device or a communication node served by the owndevice to a communication control determination device that controlscoexistence of a plurality of wireless systems; and

an acquisition unit configured to acquire, from the communicationcontrol determination device, information including informationnecessary for communication control for coexistence as informationregarding another communication control determination device thatmanages a peripheral region of a geographical region managed by thecommunication control determination device.

(2)

The communication control device according to claim 1, further including

a control unit configured to recognize a change in the geographicallocation information of the own device or the communication node andselect a communication control determination device to be connected byusing the information acquired by the acquisition unit.

(3)

The communication control device according to claim 2, in which

in a case where the control unit determines that the communication nodeis not able to complete connection to the selected communication controldetermination device, the control unit transmits a proxy provisionrequest for a coexistence service to a communication controldetermination device in a geographical region of the communication nodebefore movement.

(4)

The communication control device according to claim 3, in which

in a case where the control unit determines that the communication nodeis able to complete connection to the communication controldetermination device selected again, the control unit transmits anotification of termination of the proxy provision request to thecommunication control determination device that has provided thecoexistence service by proxy.

(5)

The communication control device according to claim 3, in which

in a case where the selected communication control determination deviceand the own device possess different coexistence profiles, the controlunit determines that the communication node is not able to completeconnection to the selected communication control determination device.

(6)

The communication control device according to claim 3, in which

in a case where connection to the selected communication controldetermination device is not established because of timeout, the controlunit determines that the communication node is not able to completeconnection to the selected communication control determination device.

(7)

A communication control determination device configured to controlcoexistence of a plurality of wireless systems, the communicationcontrol determination device including

a control unit configured to generate information including informationnecessary for communication control for coexistence as informationregarding another communication control determination device thatcontrols and determines usage of the wireless systems around ageographical region managed by the own device.

(8)

The communication control determination device according to claim 7, inwhich

the control unit generates information including an identifier capableof identifying a type of a providable coexistence service.

(9)

A method including:

transmitting geographical location information of the own device or acommunication node served by the own device to a communication controldetermination device that controls coexistence of a plurality ofwireless systems; and

acquiring, from the communication control determination device,information including information necessary for communication controlfor coexistence as information regarding another communication controldetermination device that manages a peripheral region of a geographicalregion managed by the communication control determination device.

(10)

A method that is executed by a communication control determinationdevice configured to control coexistence of a plurality of wirelesssystems, the method including

generating information including information necessary for communicationcontrol for coexistence as information regarding another communicationcontrol determination device that controls and determines usage of thewireless systems around a geographical region managed by the own device.

(11)

A computer program causing a computer to execute

transmitting geographical location information of the own device or acommunication node served by the own device to a communication controldetermination device that controls coexistence of a plurality ofwireless systems, and

acquiring, from the communication control determination device,information including information necessary for communication controlfor coexistence as information regarding another communication controldetermination device that manages a peripheral region of a geographicalregion managed by the communication control determination device.

(12)

A computer program that is executed by a computer configured to controlcoexistence of a plurality of wireless systems, the computer programcausing the computer to execute

generating information including information necessary for communicationcontrol for coexistence as information regarding another communicationcontrol determination device that controls and determines usage of thewireless systems around a geographical region managed by the own device.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   100, 200, 300 device

1. A communication device comprising circuitry configured to: transmitgeographical location information of the communication device or acommunication node served by the communication device to a communicationcontrol device that controls coexistence of a plurality of wirelesssystems; acquire, from the communication control device, informationincluding information necessary for communication control forcoexistence and information regarding another communication controldevice that manages a peripheral region of a geographical region managedby the communication control device; and recognize a change in thegeographical location information of the communication device or acommunication node served by the communication device, and subsequentlyselect a communication control device to be connected based on acquiredinformation, in case of where the communication device or acommunication node served by the communication device moves to anothergeographical location managed by a third communication control devicewith the same coexistence profile, select the third communicationcontrol device as the communication control device.
 2. The communicationdevice according to claim 1, wherein in a case where the circuitrydetermines that the communication node is not able to completeconnection to the selected communication control device, the circuitrytransmits a proxy provision request for a coexistence service to acommunication control device in a geographical region of thecommunication node before movement.
 3. The communication deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein in a case where the circuitry determinesthat the communication node is able to complete connection to thecommunication control device selected again, the circuitry transmits anotification of termination of the proxy provision request to thecommunication control device that has provided the coexistence serviceby proxy.
 4. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein in acase where the circuitry determines that the communication node is ableto complete connection to the communication control device selectedagain, the circuitry transmits a notification of termination of theproxy provision request to the communication control device that hasprovided the coexistence service by proxy.
 5. The communication deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein in a case where connection to the selectedcommunication control device is not established because of timeout, thecircuitry determines that the communication node is not able to completeconnection to the selected communication control device.
 6. Acommunication control determination device configured to controlcoexistence of a plurality of wireless systems, the communicationcontrol determination device comprising circuitry configured to:generate information including information necessary for communicationcontrol for coexistence and information regarding another communicationcontrol determination device that controls and determines usage of thewireless systems around a geographical region managed by a communicationdevice; recognize a change in the geographical location information ofthe communication device to a geographical region managed by the anothercommunication control determination device, and subsequently select acommunication control determination device to be connected by usinggenerated information, and a subsequent change in the geographicallocation information of the communication device to another geographicallocation managed by a third communication control determination devicewith the same coexistence profile as the communication device causes thecircuitry to select the third communication control determination deviceas selected communication control determination device.
 7. Thecommunication control determination device according to claim 6, whereinthe circuitry is configured to generate information including anidentifier capable of identifying a type of a providable coexistenceservice.
 8. The communication control determination device according toclaim 6, wherein in a case where the circuitry determines that acommunication node served by the communication device is not able tocomplete connection to the selected communication control determinationdevice, the circuitry transmits a proxy provision request for acoexistence service to a communication control determination device in ageographical region of the communication node before movement.
 9. Amethod, comprising: transmitting geographical location information of acommunication device or a communication node served by the communicationdevice to a communication control device that controls coexistence of aplurality of wireless systems; acquiring, from the communication controldevice, information including information necessary for communicationcontrol for coexistence and information regarding another communicationcontrol device that manages a peripheral region of a geographical regionmanaged by the communication control device; and recognizing a change inthe geographical location information of the communication device or thecommunication node served by the communication device, and subsequentlyselecting a communication control device to be connected based onacquired information, a subsequent change in the geographical locationinformation of the communication device to another geographical locationmanaged by a third communication control device with the samecoexistence profile as the communication device causing selecting of thethird communication control device as the communication control device.10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising determiningwhether the communication node is not able to complete connection to theselected communication control device, and in a case where thecommunication node is not able to complete connection to the selectedcommunication control device, transmitting a proxy provision request fora coexistence service to a communication control device in ageographical region of the communication node before movement.
 11. Anon-transitory computer readable storage medium having instructionsstored therein, that when executed by processing circuitry cause theprocessing circuitry to perform a process, the process comprising:transmitting geographical location information of a communication deviceor a communication node served by the communication device to acommunication control device that controls coexistence of a plurality ofwireless systems; acquiring, from the communication control device,information including information necessary for communication controlfor coexistence and information regarding another communication controldevice that manages a peripheral region of a geographical region managedby the communication control device; and recognizing a change in thegeographical location information of the communication device or acommunication node served by the communication device, and subsequentlyselecting a communication control device to be connected based onacquired information, a subsequent change in the geographical locationinformation of the communication device to another geographical locationmanaged by a third communication control device with the samecoexistence profile as the communication device causing selecting of thethird communication control device as the communication control device.12. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium according toclaim 11, the process further comprising: determining whether thecommunication node is not able to complete connection to the selectedcommunication control device, and, in a case where the communicationnode is not able to complete connection to the selected communicationcontrol device, transmitting a proxy provision request for a coexistenceservice to a communication control device in a geographical region ofthe communication node before movement.